Fires devastate Ventura, LA, Butte counties

Lauren Shelburne | Banner | Resident walked the remnants of Bell Canyon with tools in hand ready to help their neighbors in need. A common bond of tragedy brought together new friends as they dug through
debris to try to find what remained of their homes after the Woolsey Canyon Fire quickly ripped through the hillsides dividing Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Fires raging across California the past month have now been 100 percent contained, according to the California Fire Department.

Two major blazes ran through Northern and Southern California both igniting Nov. 8. The Camp Fire in Northern California’s Butte County burned for 18 days and Southern California’s “Woosley Fire” in Ventura and Los Angeles counties lasted for one week.

For Gebler in West Hills the evacuation order came Nov. 9 and was lifted Nov. 12. However, this was not the first time Gebler was in a city under evacuation orders.

“It’s unfortunate that you become used to it. We know the drill,” Gebler said. “We’re used to being evacuated; this is not the first time.”

Gebler said she has learned to know what she needs to take with her when she leaves.

“You know what’s important to at least get by — what you need — and most things can be replaced,” Gebler said.

Gebler said being aware of the environment she lives in is important for preparedness. Living in Los Angeles County surrounded by brush and fueled by a Californian drought reminded Gebler of her housing circumstance andwhich cities are prone to wildfires.

Rains helped clear the smoke Nov. 23 and 24. However, they also caused flash floods and mudslides, making the search for missing individuals difficult, particularly in the town of Paradise.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced a public health emergency Nov. 13 because of the evacuation of at least two hospitals and eight other health facilities. The HHC also released a smoke advisory to residents of LA County.

As the smoke blows away and the damage is contained, residents of cities across California will continue together to recover from the devastation as they rebuild their lives and homes.

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